Leisureland

What gives it resonance is that the album's bones are constructed from the same elements that have made him one of the most interesting singer/songwriters of the punk generation: he's toned down his snarl and cynicism, retaining a D.I.Y. spirit while also honing his powers of observation. All of these come into play in surprising, inventive ways on Leisureland, making it one of his most distinctive records.

After years of recording under various aliases, he seems to have made peace with it and settled back into Wreckless Eric as his moniker. As his past several albums prove, he is just as vital.

Goulden sublimely aw-fuck-it delivery makes nearly everything sound sardonic, but there’s a bottom note of pure yearning here. The song [“Southern Rock”] smolders most of the way, and then bursts into flame in a rollicking chorus.

The ramshackle mix of lyrical longing, acoustic guitars and glacial synths would ordinarily be described as Americana, but the lyrics are still as British as fish and chips. [Sep 2023, p.76]

A sobering adventure close o something like home. [Oct 2023, p.86]